'OZone Email Newsletter for April, 2009

Festival Season Starts Now!

Can you feel it? That low rumble and electric tingle heralds the approach of the 40th annual Jazz Fest, which is only a week away.

Here in the Crescent City, the buzz is building fast and furious, thanks in part to this weekend’s French Quarter Festival — the largest free festival in the South.

Jazz Fest also means WWOZ's Piano Night, which falls on Monday, April 27 this year. The night is dedicated to the memory of pianist, composer, entertainer, and friend Eddie Bo, who recently left us. When we first saw the poster, created by New Orleans artist Greg Giegucz, we fell in love with the abstract depiction of Eddie right away. Unfortunately, although Eddie was selected for the poster’s theme before he passed, we regret that he didn’t live to see the finished product.

All of us here at ‘OZ are looking forward to this festival season, and we hope to see lots of Brass Passers in the ‘OZ Hospitality Tent. And we’d love to rub elbows with you in a packed House of Blues on April 27 to honor Eddie Bo.

On April 27, WWOZ presents Piano Night 2009, dedicated to the legendary Eddie Bo. Get your tickets now to catch it in person, or listen to our complete live broadcast of this amazing event. Also check out our behind-the-scenes videos from last year's Piano Night!

It doesn’t get much better than this for fans of the ivories, with scheduled performers like Dr. Lonnie Smith, David Torkanowsky, Joe Krown and more — plus who knows what special guests may show up! Pick up your limited edition Piano Night poster featuring Eddie Bo, printed on museum-quality paper. Only 500 are available!

It’s the big four-oh for Jazz Fest, and this year’s lineup is incredible for both weekends! Catch all of it by getting your Brass Pass or Over Pass now, and check out our upcoming series of interviews with artists who’ll be performing. During the Fest, follow us on Twitter for breaking news and other updates.

French Quarter Fest is just around the corner! Tune in to catch plenty of live broadcasts from the 26th annual free music festival, including the Honey Island Swamp Band, Astral Project, Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. & the Wild Magnolias, The Revealers, and many more. Plus get info on performers, schedules, and new stage locations.

Pianist Eddie Bo, one of New Orleans' greatest and most beloved performers, passed on Wednesday, March 18 at the age of 79. His career spanned six decades, during which he created memorable music encompassing jazz, R&B, funk, soul, and blues, along with plenty of Creole seasoning. His memorial event at Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘N’ Bowl was attended by Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Joe Krown, and many more, and our show hosts have been airing lots of Eddie’s classics to ensure we never forget him.

Professor Longhair lived at 1738-40 Terpsichore Street in New Orleans, and since his passing, the home has fallen into grave disrepair. We stumbled across a Facebook page that was created to raise awareness about the house’s landmark status being stuck in limbo for a long time.

Speaking of Facebook, you can find ‘OZ on there as well, so add us as a friend and stay in touch online!

The 40th annual Jazz & Heritage Festival has one of the best lineups we’ve seen in years. E-mail us a complete list of this year’s performers who also played at the very first Fest — along with your name, phone number, and address — and you’ll automatically be entered to win a set of headphones.

We’re now in the height of Louisiana’s crawfish season (mid-March to mid-May), so now’s the perfect time for a delectable dish like crawfish pasta. Can’t get crawfish? Substitute shrimp, oysters or lump crabmeat. If you like the recipe, then check out Louisiana Cookin' magazine. Subscribe with the promotion code wwoz09, and they'll donate $5 to WWOZ.